Judge gives teenage fine defaulter two months’ jail

A youth said to be the central North Island's worst fines defaulter has been jailed.

Nigel Caleb Wikiriwhi Dixon, 17, was sentenced to two months' jail for failing to do 300 hours' community work imposed by a judge after he wiped Dixon's $43,000 fines debt.

On Friday, Judge James Weir also ordered Dixon to carry out the 300 hours' community work when he is released from jail.

"Be absolutely certain, Mr Dixon, if you continue to breach [community work] and you come back before me I'll keep sending you to jail."

Dixon pleaded guilty to two charges of breaching community work. The court heard he failed to do 150 hours imposed in September. Judge Phillip Cooper was not told by the Corrections Department of the 150 hours when he wiped Dixon's $43,000 fines debt in exchange for 300 hours' community work last month.

Dixon also failed to carry out that community work.

Dixon's lawyer, Dafydd Malcolm, told the court Dixon wanted to make a fresh start.

At 16, Dixon owed fines of $4000 which became an "insurmountable obstacle" and may have led to his offending.

Judge Weir said Dixon had convictions for fighting, threatening behaviour and dangerous driving causing injury.

- NZPA